The International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) and the Ji.hlava International Documentary Film Festival are pleased to announce the establishment of a FIPRESCI jury at the festival, beginning with the upcoming 30th edition, which will take place from October 23 to November 1, 2026.
The new collaboration marks another important step in FIPRESCI’s growing engagement with documentary cinema. Recognized as one of the most respected documentary film festivals in Europe and the leading event of its kind in Central and Eastern Europe, Ji.hlava has, for nearly three decades, provided a platform for innovative, artistically ambitious, and critically engaged documentary filmmaking.
For FIPRESCI, this partnership is particularly meaningful as the Federation has long enjoyed close and fruitful ties with the Czech Republic. The Czech section is one of the oldest national sections within FIPRESCI, and Czech film culture has played a significant role in the history of the Federation. The establishment of a jury at Ji.hlava further strengthens these longstanding connections while opening a new chapter through the lens of documentary cinema.
Marek Hovorka, director of Ji.hlava IDFF: “Over the past three decades, we have sought to foster critical reflection on documentary film; we have created the Media and Documentary training program for aspiring critics and journalists, published books on the history of non-fiction cinema and prominent filmmakers, and established a platform for thinking through film. We are delighted that, in the festival’s 30th year, we are beginning a close collaboration with FIPRESCI, which is a natural continuation of our activities.”
FIPRESCI President Ahmed Shawky: “Documentary cinema has always occupied a special place within FIPRESCI’s activities, offering our members a unique opportunity to engage critically with contemporary reality. We are therefore delighted to establish a partnership with Ji.hlava, a festival whose long-standing commitment to championing documentary filmmaking has earned it immense respect far beyond Central Europe. We look forward to contributing to this dialogue through the perspective of international film criticism.”
The FIPRESCI jury, composed of one Czech critic and two international members, will evaluate films in the First Lights section and present the FIPRESCI Prize at the conclusion of the festival.
Founded in 1925, FIPRESCI brings together professional film critics and film journalists from more than 80 countries. Through its international juries, publications, and educational initiatives, the Federation supports film culture and promotes dialogue across political, cultural, and geographical boundaries.
Further information regarding the composition of the jury and the competition section will be announced in due course.
©FIPRESCI 2026